2014 Festival Schedule

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Enjoy the Festival! Sessions are free; arrive early to ensure seating. In Fast Pass-designated venues, Fast Pass holders have priority seating. Please abide by Capitol and House Chamber rules, critical for the TBF’s continued use: No food and drink; In the House Chamber, NOTHING may be placed on the Representatives’ desks; Seating at the desks will be limited to badge and Fast Pass holders; Limit photography and video. No flash photography.

Signings take place after each session. Adult and YA authors sign in the Adult Book Signing Tent (Congress at 10th), Children’s authors in the Children’s Sales/Signing Tent (Colorado at 13th), Cookbooks in the Sales/Signing Tent next to the Central Market Cooking Tent (11th at Congress).

Below, click on the Saturday or Sunday tab to see sessions by hour. Use the pull-down filter to sort by genre, or use the search to see sessions by venue or keyword.

The New Era of Interactive Fiction: Alternative Approaches to Storytelling

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

In the world of fiction, authors are turning to new and alternative approaches to storytelling in order to create a thoroughly entertaining and interactive experience for readers. Join Doug Dorst, Michael McGriff, and J.M. Tyree for a discussion of how the new era of literature is blurring the lines between fiction, film, photography, and pop culture.

Craig Johnson in Conversation

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

Long before he had a hit television show on A&E, Craig Johnson began writing short stories. These stories featured the earliest appearances by the sheriff that is now the star of A&E's highest rated scripted drama Longmire. Join Johnson as he discusses what it's like to see his creation on television, as well as the new release of Wait for Signs, a collection of short stories written over the last ten years.

TBF and AJBF Present Rebecca Alexander

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

What would you do if you were told you would be blind and deaf by the age of 30? Rebecca Alexander had to face this news early in her life, and then, one day, a terrible fall left her physical body shattered. Broken and battered, she climbed her way out of the dark and now she is a competitive athlete with two masters' degrees. The Texas Book Festival in conjunction with the Austin Jewish Book Festival present Rebecca Alexander and her inspiring tale of bravery and endurance.

A Most Imperfect Union

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

Did you know that Christopher Columbus was probably Jewish? Discover the facts and stories that are largely ignored in history books through Ilan Stavans' A Most Imperfect Union: A Contrarian History of the United States. This book rewrites America’s legacy from prehistory to post 9/11, providing insight into the lives and actions of individuals and marginalized groups who built modern America.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

YucatÃ¡n

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Nestled in southeastern Mexico between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, the Yucatán Peninsula is a nexus for many different cultures. All of these cultures definitely influence the cuisine of the Yucatán Peninsula, which offers a unique blend of flavors and ingredients. David Sterling, an authority on Yucatecan, illustrates the fascinating of the Yucatán Peninsula in his new book, Yucatán.

Texas Homes

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

From Spanish Colonial missions, French pioneers’ log cabins, the German stonework, and American craftsmanship, the Texas Hill Country boasts all this and more in its incredible array of lush, private homes. Even though the Texan West is quite wild, those who live in these homes have found a way to tame the wild while still sustaining the ecosystem surrounding them. Cyndy Severson explores the architecture and the grandeur of these luxurious homes in her new book.

Cheaters! Liars! Scams!

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Deceit digs a hole like nothing else. Yet those plotting the con leap into this hole without a thought to all they have to lose. Join James Magnuson and Jake Halpern for a discussion on the juicy details of the tools an imposter uses to accomplish his plot and what motives drive these misunderstood individuals.

Beginning, Middle, End: A Trio of Trilogies

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

From getting the ball rolling, to keeping your readers interested, to the grand finale, these writers are all at different points in their trilogy-writing journey. With Edward Carey representing Book One, Deron R. Hicks as the voice for Book Two, and Adam Gidwitz giving the scenery from Book Three, come discover how travelling through a trilogy feels from the driver’s seat.

Three Heads are Better Than One: Miles Arceneaux

11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

Set against the gritty backdrop of the Texas Gulf Coast, Miles Arceneaux’s thrillers are a combination of dark history and fast suspense. Bring your inner sleuth as the men behind the pen, John T. Davis, Brent Douglass, and James R. Dennis, uncover the mysteries of team writing and lead you into the murky waters of Arceneaux’s latest, Ransom Island.

Role Models

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

We all have role models. Whether you are young or old, there is always someone whose life will inspire your own and motivate you to better yourself. But these role models have had their struggles too, and only by rising above and beyond their problems have these extraordinary people proven themselves to be the guides and mentors of the public. Join authors Lee Kravetz, David B. Feldman, and Michael Sokolove as they explore the lives of these amazing people.

Family Ties and Hidden Lives

12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

Sometimes we think that our parents are crazy for some of the things they do. And then we hear stories about our grandparents and, suddenly, our parents don’t seem so bad. As our society transforms, it is individual families who are impacted the most, and, sometimes, digging into family history can reveal shocking stories which may make you think twice about your own origins. Join Maria Venegas and Chris Tomlinson as they come to terms with the darker sides of their family’s pasts.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Found in Translation

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

The film industry has long sustained itself on film adaptations of published novels. But some things are bound to change as the story translates from the written to the visual. So how do writers keep the original integrity of the story when elements are added or cut? Join Philipp Meyer and Smith Henderson in conversation with Brian McGreevy as they discuss the craft of adaptation.

12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Hazardous Tales

12:15 PM - 1:00 PM

Known for his work as both a children's author and an illustrator (Rapunzel's Revenge, The Dinosaurs' Night Before Christmas), Nathan Hale creates work that is both educational and wildly entertaining. The latest entry in his Hazardous Tales series introduces World War I in an illuminating and fascinating way. Combining true-to-life events and Hale’s trademark Hazardous twist, Hazardous Tales: Treaties, Trenches, Mud, and Blood (A World War I Tale) is perfect for those that are bored with the traditional textbook and are looking for a fresh and exciting look at one of the world’s most important events.

If Victorian Era had Reality TV

12:15 PM - 1:00 PM

Even long before The Bachelor, My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding, and Storage Wars touched our lives, humanity has been a drama machine. With Myra MacPherson and Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz on the case, let your guiltiest of pleasures get slapped by the 19th century. Scandal, intrigue, and top hats galore--you won't be able to look away.

Survival 101

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM

You’re in the worst possible situation and you have a choice to make: How far would you go to survive? This question defines reality for characters set in dystopian novels by Lindsay Cummings, Rick Yancey, and Dayna Lorentz. Join these authors for discussion on what defines humanity and how to make it out alive.

Poetry Fun with Rawson Saunders

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

The Rawson Saunders Writer's Workshop is an intensive writing program for middle and upper school students. Our writers are committed to their craft and eager to share their work. They will be reading selected works of their free verse poetry.

The Producer

12:30 PM - 1:15 PM

Activist and American television producer for shows like All in the Family, Sanford and Son, The Jeffersons and more joins us at the Texas Book Fest. Now in his 90s, Lear looks back at the shows, experiences, and people who have made him who he is today.

Harry J. Shafer

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Harry J. Shafer first published Painters in Prehistory in 1986. Now, some 28 years later, Shafer’s devotion to his work has produced an updated edition, full of revised and expanded research. Discover how Shafer and other scholars deepened our cultural understanding of rock art and the life of prehistoric Rio Grande canyon dwellers.

Mexico: The Cookbook

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Look no further, the ultimate comprehensive guide to Mexican cuisine is here. In her new book, Mexico: The Cookbook, Margarita Carrillo Arronte takes you across the vast diversity of foods and flavors in the country of Mexico. Taste everything, from fancy dinners to midday snacks, as you explore the various ingredients of Mexico!

Tragedy, Trauma, Transformation

12:45 PM - 1:45 PM

It’s often hard to confront the demons that plague you, but sometimes it’s harder to move on once they are gone. Reading of someone else’s struggles reminds readers that, in whatever challenge they are facing, they are not alone, and that though life may seem tough, it always gets better. Rita Zoey Chin, Jessica Lamb-Shapiro, and Lacy M. Johnson talk about their growth from trauma to acceptance.

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

The Domino Effect

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

On the surface, Natalia Sylvester and Désirée Zamorano’s stories are very different. While Sylvester’s Chasing the Sun follows a Peruvian family thrown into turmoil when a wife and mother is kidnapped, Zamorano’s traces the slow erosion of a Latina family climbing the social ladder in Los Angeles, California. When tragedy strikes in both stories, the focus shifts to one important question: Just how far will one go to save their family?

Tour d'Afghanistan

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Ravaged by war and occupation, the women of Afghanistan are constantly under pressure from an oppressive patriarchal culture. But who would have thought that the act that would most inspire these women and girls to fight for their opportunities would be...riding bikes? That’s right, Shannon Galpin is travelling across Afghanistan, a country which bans women from riding bicycles, on her mountain bike in order to bring attention to the fight for equality. Join Shannon as she discusses her activism and her cause.

Mayor, Mayor

1:15 PM - 2:00 PM

Recently, it seems as though America’s financial problems have caused quite a conversation in this country’s economic policies. Through booms and recessions, economists have been scratching their heads over what problems we are facing and how to fix them. Bill White, former Mayor of Houston and financial expert, converses with Will Wynn, former mayor of Austin, on the ups and downs of America’s economy.

Library Incubator Project

1:30 PM - 2:15 PM

Erinn Batykefer and Laura Damon-Moore created "Library as Incubator Project" in order to advocate strong relationships between libraries and artists of all types. As an "incubator" for the arts, a library hosts not only writers and poets, but artists and performers as well! Through An Artist’s Library, discover what takes a library beyond a warehouse of books and into a thriving community center.

Unfinished Business

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

“If I could do it all again, I would _____”. There is a point in every individual’s life where things just end. Abruptly, unfairly, unknowingly, in any sort of way, really, but they end. Leaving individuals with unfinished love, unfinished success, unfinished conversations to cope and live with, imagining what they would do differently if they had the chance. Join authors Adele Griffin, Meg Wolitzer, and Lindsey Lane as they dive into the questions so many ask: How do we get answers and how can things be finished?

Capers, Cons, and Catastrophes

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Mischief seems to be around every corner when mayhem is in the picture. Sometimes a little chaos is needed when you’re trying to save your world from a con artist, aliens, or just a downright awful boy. Join authors Greg Leitich Smith, Varian Johnson, and Jennifer Ziegler as they discuss the ups and down of bringing the world sanity with some madness.

How to Win Friends or Manipulate People

2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

To understand the world, we must first try to understand ourselves--how close do we flirt with narcissism, and what do we do when we are confronted with full-blown movie star narcissism? Jeffrey Kluger offers advice on how to navigate through that world in The Narcissist Next Door. Can our online presence give us a clue? Christian Rudder, who has examining the social effects of the Internet down to a science, can provide the answers in Dataclysm.

Descent into the Depths

2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

"Dirty jobs" doesn’t even begin to describe the harrowing occupations of mining and construction workers. These men and women must constantly risk their lives as they toil to complete the feats of engineering which will hopefully better the world. But when disaster strikes, the line between life and death becomes hair-thin. Award-winning journalists Neil Swidey and Héctor Tobar recount tales of survival and bravery in the face of disaster.

Fast Pass Session

Jack Allen's Kitchen

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

One of the most important abilities a chef can have is to be able to connect to others through food. Jack Gilmore knows how to treat his customers right, by using only the freshest local ingredients to get the best out of Central Texan cuisine. Join him as he demonstrates some recipes from his new book, Jack Allen’s Kitchen.

Growing Up Fast

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Adolescence is hard. Teens struggle to find themselves among awkward first dates and acne. For some in this period of transition from childhood to adulthood, treachery awaits in the form of crime, drugs, and self-destructive promiscuity. Faced with impending adulthood, these young people must make critical life-altering decisions in the midst of some of the most harrowing and vulnerable years of their lives. Check out Bill Hillmann, Darcey Steinke, and Justin Taylor as they share their views on the adolescent experience.

Egg

2:15 PM - 3:15 PM

When it comes to cooking, Michael Ruhlman is man who likes to stick to the basics. In his bestselling cookbook, Egg, Ruhlman explores the incredible diversity of eggs and how to dazzle guests with recipes as simple as egg salad to some more complicated dishes such as nougat. Join this talented chef as he takes you on a journey through the many uses of the simple egg.

The Michener Center Presents: Countryside Corruption

2:30 PM - 3:15 PM

Rural life is often depicted as bucolic and pastoral, but country life is not always as it seems at first glance. In each of their novels, Brian Hart and Smith Henderson thrust their protagonists into the seedy worlds of greed, violence, and crime which surge beneath the surface of their rural towns. Join these authors in their exploration of the unseen drama of the countryside.

On Duane Allman

2:30 PM - 3:15 PM

When guitar legend Duane Allman tragically passed away at the age of 25 in a motorcycle accident, his daughter was only 2 years old. In her memoir, Please Be With Me: A Song for my Father, Duane Allman, Galadrielle Allman recounts living in the twin shadows of celebrity and tragedy. Join Galadrielle as she explores the connections she’s felt with her father and his music, and learn about her journey to discover more.

Tony DiTerlizzi

2:45 PM - 3:30 PM

Tony DiTerlizzi is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator and has been writing and creating books for over a decade. DiTerlizzi was given the opportunity of a lifetime in bringing to life legendary conceptual designer Ralph McQuarrie's illustrations of the iconic adventures of Luke Skywalker and that galaxy located so "far, far away." The classic good and evil tale explodes onto the page and into the hearts and mind of fans, both new and old.

That's Not the Guy

3:00 PM - 3:45 PM

"Innocent until proven guilty" is the mantra when it comes to the American legal system. But why is is that sometimes the proof is kept hidden and innocence was never a factor? And how can indiviuals cope with having their freedom and livelihood stripped away for a crime they did not commit? Join James S. Liebman and Michael Morton as they discuss false accusations, life sentences, and executions.

The Peterson Brothers

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

At-Risk Summer Movie

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

A feature documentary about empowering youth on the fringe and conversations with some of the most prominent authors in children’s literature. Author/Filmmaker e.E. Charlton-Trujillo will present the movie with a Q&A following

Boyhood: Twelve Years on Film

3:30 PM - 4:15 PM

One of this year's most talked about movies is Richard Linklater's 12-year masterpiece, Boyhood, an intimate look at a Texan boy’s growth from child to teenager to adult. Critics and fans ecstatically agree, there has been no other artistic feat like it in the world of cinema, and the Oscar buzz surrounding the film is already deafening. Come and join the artists behind this film Richard Linklater, Ellar Coltrane, Matt Lankes, and Cathleen Sutherland, as they discuss the creation of this epic through their new photography book.

Texas On The Table

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Texan cuisine spans many different flavors, from seafood to Tex-Mex, even to German. Sandy Wilson and Terry Thompson-Anderson’s comprehensive new guide to the cuisine of Texas, Texas on the Table, will take you inside every facet of Texan flavor, including which wine to have with which meal. So, come on down and learn to cook like a Texan!

Risky Business

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Who doesn’t like a good thriller? From James Bond to The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, thrillers abound with vivid details of crime and suspense that keep the pages turning day and night. Join Jeff Abbott and Patrick Hoffman as they discuss the fun and the frights of writing thrillers.

Reading Magnum

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

The Magnum Photos collection, which contains more than 200,000 photographs by some of the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries’ greatest image-makers, is the most comprehensive accumulation of prints made by the distinguished photo cooperative. Reading Magnum is the first publication to examine this photographic archive, now part of the photography collection at Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin. This new book showcases artists’ aesthetic vision and political perspective, as the photographs depict war and conflict, cultural life, portraiture, social relations, and globalization.

4:00 PM — 5:00 PM Sunday

4 PM Sunday

Riding the Rails That Created the Modern World

4:00 PM - 4:45 PM

Discover the evolution of technological innovation behind trains and the sociological impact of railroad transit in Tom Zoellner’s new book Train: Riding the Rails That Created the Modern World--from the Trans-Siberian to the Southwest Chief. Learn about trains’ effect on the environment and mass transit in today's world. Zoellner not only tells the history of train travel, but makes a case for how it will impact the future as well.